Police update – Body located in search for missing swimmer – Norah Head – Monday, 24 November 2025 11:29:23 AM
A body has been located in the search for a man missing off the Central Coast.
Emergency services were called to Norah Head about 8.15pm (Sunday 23 November 2025), and were told four friends were on a sand bar off Soldiers Beach Surf Life Saving Club when it collapsed.
A 16-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man were able to get back to shore; however, two others, both aged 18, were swept into the water.
Two surfers were able to rescue one of the men and brought him to shore but the fourth was swept out to sea.
A search was initiated involving officers attached to Tuggerah Lakes Police District, assisted by the Westpac Rescue helicopter crew, Marine Area Command, and Marine Rescue NSW, but was unsuccessful.
The search was suspended at 11.30pm with patrols on foot of the foreshore continuing throughout the night and resumed about 7am today (Monday 24 November 2025), involving the same resources.
About 10.45am (Monday 24 November 2025), the body of a man was located by police divers.
While a formal identification process is yet to be completed, the body is believed to be that of the missing swimmer.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
23/11/2025 – Marine Rescue NSW volunteers continue search for missing swimmer at Norah Head
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers and vessels from the Norah Head and Lake Macquarie units are assisting a multi-agency search for a missing male swimmer at Norah Head on the state’s Central Coast.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Andrew Harding said Norah Head 20 and Lake Macquarie 30 resumed the search at 7am today (Monday 24 November).
“Both Marine Rescue NSW vessels are conducting an expanding parallel-line search, pushing north to Hargraves Beach and south past Pelican Beach.
“Conditions are challenging, with a 2.5 to 3-metre southerly swell and winds up to 15 knots.
“The Marine Rescue NSW crews will continue searching under the direction of NSW Police Marine Area Command until instructed otherwise,” Inspector Harding said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Norah Head searched for almost three hours last night after being deployed at 9pm.
“Our crews respond at any time of day or night, and the NR 20 crew answered the call to assist the search last night,” Inspector Harding said.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer-based, not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
